Our History

Our History

Since our founding in 1969, SECF has continually evolved and adapted to keep up with changes affecting the practice of philanthropy and the needs of grantmakers in the Southeast.

2018

Present

SECF welcomes its first member from outside the continental United States – the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development.

Diversity, equity and inclusion take center stage as SECF begins development of an Equity Framework for both the organization and its members. The Board establishes an Equity Framework Task Force.

The 50th Anniversary Task Force is launched as SECF explores ways to both commemorate its past and look toward the future of giving in the South.

Continuing the work started with 2017’s “Passing Gear” report, SECF works with state associations to convene events throughout the region exploring how Passing Gear principles can be applied on the ground. In Atlanta, “Breaking Through Barriers: Forging a Path to Philanthropic Success in the South,” brings national and regional funders together, ushering in a new era of possibilities for partnership and collaboration.

2016

2017

SECF partners with MDC to produce the landmark report, Philanthropy as the South’s “Passing Gear”: Fulfilling the Promise, which examines progress made and challenges faced since the first Passing Gear report in 2007.

SECF’s communications undergo a refresh. The weekly e-newsletter is renamed Connect and its quarterly magazine is now called Inspiration. SECF launches its new blog, Engage, featuring first-person perspectives from members

SECF adopts a position statement on endowed philanthropy and engages members in public policy throughout the year leading up to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

SECF expands its membership to include the first philanthropic individual members. Giving circles and state/local grantmaker associations are also eligible for membership.

SECF releases a Value Proposition statement anchored around five aspects of the value it provides to members: Regional & National Connections, Leadership Development, A Southern Perspective, Promotion & Defense of Philanthropy, Best & Next Practice.

SECF retains 96 percent of its members amid an increasingly competitive landscape of philanthropy supporting organizations.

2014

2015

SECF’s offices move from the Hurt Building to the 100 Peachtree Building in the historic Fairlie-Poplar district of downtown Atlanta.

The Hull Fellows Alumni Network is launched to provide opportunities for past Fellows to continue to connect with each other beyond their program year. To date, the Network includes over 300 past and current Hull Fellows.

SECF approves a new Strategic Plan that will guide the organization’s work through 2020.